WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Residents gathered Sunday in Williams Township for the 21st annual Memorial Day ceremony in Northampton County, honoring service members who died in the line of duty.
Sid Busch, a U.S. Navy veteran who served 26 years, traveled 11 hours from South Carolina to serve as the honorary guest speaker.
Busch said he was encouraged to see a strong turnout at a time when he believes Memorial Day observances have seen declining attendance nationwide.
“This is amazing,” Busch said. “I was really impressed because Memorial Day ceremonies across the country have dwindled the number of people who show up at them.”
Busch has made it his life’s mission to ensure fallen service members are never forgotten.
He has completed more than 200 marathons carrying an American flag, with each run dedicated to a fallen service member.
“I give them my medal and everything to put the medal on their headstones,” Busch said.
The Klinger family invited Busch to speak after he completed a memorial run honoring Lance Cpl. Joshua Klinger of the U.S. Marine Corps, who died while serving his country.
“I’ve gotten to know him through the family and talking with Phil and Sharon Klinger and his brother, Seth Klinger,” Busch said. “He’s the type of person that this country really needs and unfortunately was taken away at a very early age.”
The ceremony also featured music from the Wilson Area High School band, opening and closing prayers, a wreath-laying honoring veterans, a rifle salute and the release of doves in remembrance of the fallen.
Busch urged Americans to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and remember those who never returned home.